Diabetes with a smile–

patience

In my last post, I pleaded with God to make it STOP — that is, my present situation with dental work (torture!). I had faith. I trusted Her…

As I mentioned, I went to the dentist to redo the process, hopefully ending in a FINAL visit. When we were done, I was thrilled. “It’s so much better,” I told my DDS. Relieved and happy with the result, I hugged him, and headed for home.

During dinner, I noticed that it was still difficult to chew. It’ll get better I convinced myself. The bad news is, it didn’t — get better. In fact, I was right back to a higher level of being uncomfortable. The good news is that I wasn’t in pain. But, being uncomfortable on such an elevated level is NOT fun. By the way, have I told you —I AM DIABETIC, and I DO have to eat. Ugh.

Dental work stinks, at least in my opinion! My friends keep asking, “Are you in pain?” I reply in the negative, and watch as they look at me like I’m nuts. Maybe I am, nuts that is. I refuse to list my dental discomfort as painful — I know what REAL pain is and this isn’t it (Trust me). I do tend to minimize, but I know what I’m feeling.

I began my Dental Journey on April 20 — today is June 20!!! That’s long enough. Frustration has risen and fallen throughout these two months. At the beginning, I asked how long it would take until I felt like myself again. My dentist proclaimed — 6 weeks!

I wasn’t thrilled, but I knew I had no choice. Just bite the bullet, I told myself. (Later, I learned that “bite” was the operative word.}

Nonetheless, a constant feeling of uncomfortablity is a nightmare. My mouth feels like it’s full of marbles, my bite is off, and damn it — I can’t chew! Thinking positively, I went to bed convinced that when I woke up, all would be well. As the sun rose, my mouth felt huge. It’s just not right. Remaining in bed, I thought back to my plea (in my last post). Thoughts of a reprieve wandered through my head. God, I thought, didn’t you hear me! I pleaded, pleaded! You know I don’t do that often. What’s the problem? This shouldn’t be a big deal. Help me out, I screamed at Her. Silence.

I gave up, took my blood sugar, and went down to the kitchen for breakfast — thrilling concept. With tears in my eyes, I wrote myself a note to call my DDS for another appointment. I noticed an envelope on the counter. KATHY was written on it, in large, bold letters. Hmmm. Skeptically, I opened it. I didn’t recognize the handwriting, but here’s what it said: Dear Kathy, I heard your plea, and I know that you want this dental dilemma to stop. I understand how you feel. I love to say YES to your requests, but this time my answer has to be NOT YET! Remember that you’ve gone through much worse situations and came out better for it on the other side. You’ve always learned the “lessons.” Be patient. Love, God

“WHAT? SHE left me a damn note!” I said aloud. “Be patient!!!”

I put the letter back on the counter and began to prepare my breakfast. I started to giggle, and laugh, and then roaring with laughter, I thought, That God, SHE’s got quite a sense of humor.

I put my dishes into the dishwasher and glanced at the clock — 7:45 a.m. — One hour and fifteen minutes until my dentist’s office opens, and I can schedule an appointment. Be patient, p a t i e n t, patience, were the words that flew through my mind. As I went back upstairs, I started to laugh! “PATIENCE.” that’s the lesson!